Catalano Film Festival

04/13/2026

The Catalano Film Festival is proud to sponsor the world premiere of Happy Sorrows. CFF is excited to collaborate with Hear And See Productions to present a local short film showcase featuring two award-winning films—Holy Zombie (2021) and Blackwoods (2024)—alongside the world premiere of Happy Sorrows (2026). Each film runs approximately 20 minutes, creating a curated 60-minute cinematic experience.

Hosted in the beautiful and historic Memorial Hall in Cincinnati, the evening will feature a live Q&A following the screening of Happy Sorrows with the lead actors and writer/director Cameron Marshall. Guests are invited to celebrate an evening of Cincinnati independent cinema with a red carpet experience, a special appearance by comedian Zach Wycuff, and a cake-and-cocktails after-party designed for networking with filmmakers and actors from across the country.

This event aligns with CFF’s mission to promote independent filmmakers’ voices and provide a platform for the talented artists living and working across our country today. In the coming days and weeks leading up to the premiere, CFF will also be offering special giveaways for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike, creating even more opportunities for the community to engage, celebrate, and participate in this exciting cinematic event. ❤️🖤

🎟️: https://www.memorialhallotr.com/cincinnati-shows/happy-sorrows-world-premiere/

01/09/2026

Happy New Year from the Catalano Film Festival! ❤️🖤

As we embark on our fourth year, we’re stepping into what may be the most exciting year of cinema in CFF history. With the new year comes some exciting new changes for this season’s festival, and our team is already hard at work behind the scenes to deliver our biggest and boldest year of groundbreaking cinema yet.

In early March—when the festival is traditionally held—we’ll be announcing the official dates for this season, along with film selections, locations, and all the details film lovers far and wide have been waiting for.

Stay tuned for CFF 2026.

Long live cinema!

09/16/2025

Today, American cinema lost one of its greatest champions: Robert Redford. The Catalano Film Festival would not exist without the framework and vision that the Sundance Film Festival laid out in uplifting independent artists who needed to be heard.

Redford gave an immeasurable number of filmmakers and artists their first breaks. He was a unique artist and superstar who, much like his good friend the late, great Paul Newman, used his status and power for good. He will be missed by all, but his legacy stands as the peak mountain anyone who ever dreamed of creating a film festival tries to reach.

Thank you, Robert Redford, and ride on, Sundance Kid. ❤️🖤

09/09/2025

It’s an honor to be included among this list of fellow independent film festivals across the Midwest. The ’s mission is to amplify the powerful cinematic voices that want to be heard.

We’re proud to carry forward what the great Kurt Vonnegut described as helping talented creatives’ souls grow. ❤️🖤

Thank you, Arts Midwest!

From Chicago to Fargo, these festivals spotlight regional voices, celebrate indie creativity, and keep cinematic talent rooted close to home.

05/14/2025

A message from the great Mark Borison — multi-hyphenate maestro of the Jungle Jim's International Market Podcast — with a quick but important reminder:

There are only 2 DAYS left to vote in the , and the Catalano Film Festival needs your support. This celebration of fiercely independent cinema is up for:

- Best Artist – Johnny Catalano
- Best Community Supporter
- Best Annual Festival

Your vote is more than just support — it’s an echo of our mission to elevate original works of cinema from emerging filmmakers.❤️🖤

Vote: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/best-of-dayton-2025-nominate-and-vote-here/MNMG7CDM6ZEN7EOU2LTUCDA3SE/

05/08/2025

Horror cinema legend Sean Cunningham has always embraced his independent filmmaking roots. Alongside the late, great Wes Craven, he co-created one of the most seminal and disturbing horror thrillers of the 1970s — THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972). Cunningham served as the film's producer, helping bring to life a gritty, haunting, and still-shocking piece of horror history. Made on a shoestring budget, the film catapulted both Cunningham and Craven into the spotlight.

Each went on to leave a lasting mark on the genre: Craven with iconic franchises like A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and SCREAM, and Cunningham as the co-creator of a little slasher series known as FRIDAY THE 13TH.

Thank you for your support, Mr. Cunningham. ❤️🖤

Don't forget to vote for the in the !

Support us in the following categories:

- Best Artist (Johnny Catalano)
- Best Community Supporter
- Best Annual Festival

You can cast your vote every day until Friday, May 16th!

Vote: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/best-of-dayton-2025-nominate-and-vote-here/MNMG7CDM6ZEN7EOU2LTUCDA3SE/

04/29/2025

Vote for the in the !

We’re honored to be nominated in Best Artist (Johnny Catalano), Best Community Supporter, and Best Annual Festival!

Your vote not only secures our place in Dayton’s vibrant arts scene—it uplifts every filmmaker, actor, and crew member who brings independent and emerging cinema to life through our annual celebration.

You can vote every day until May 16th — and we appreciate your support! ❤️🖤

Cast your vote and support the voices shaping the future of film: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/best-of-dayton-2025-nominate-and-vote-here/MNMG7CDM6ZEN7EOU2LTUCDA3SE/

04/24/2025

A few words from the great Ken Foree who gave a legendary performance as the criminally cool Peter in George A. Romero’s DAWN OF THE DEAD (1978) — quite possibly the greatest regional independent film in American cinema.

A true veteran of indie horror and a longtime Rob Zombie collaborator — not to mention his countless unforgettable roles in film and television.

Huge thanks to Ken for supporting the and its mission!

And don’t forget to place your vote for the Catalano Film Festival in the !

- Best Artist — Johnny Catalano
- Best Community Supporter — Catalano Film Festival
- Best Annual Festival — Catalano Film Festival

Vote: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/best-of-dayton-2025-nominate-and-vote-here/MNMG7CDM6ZEN7EOU2LTUCDA3SE/

04/21/2025

Voting is now open for , and we’re asking for your support for the .

We’re nominated in three categories:

– Best Artist (Johnny Catalano)
– Best Community Supporter
– Best Annual Festival

Every vote is a statement: that independent filmmakers have a voice, a vision, and a future in this city’s creative landscape.

You can vote once a day now through May 16th. Thank you for your continued support of the arts. ❤️🖤

Vote: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/best-of-dayton-2025-nominate-and-vote-here/MNMG7CDM6ZEN7EOU2LTUCDA3SE/

04/07/2025

We made it. ❤️🖤

The is officially a nominee for Best Annual Festival and Best Community Supporter in the !

Only the top 5-6 businesses with the most nominations made it to the voting round, and we couldn’t have achieved this without the amazing community we've built over the last three years. It’s truly humbling to be included among such distinguished festivals, some of which have been around for decades. Bravo to everyone!

Voting begins on April 20th.